Update: HTTP support was officially discontinued in September 2009. You will need to use the Outlook Connector or POP3 now.
Back in April, I mentioned that HTTP access would be disabled as of June 30 and at that time only the Outlook connector with Outlook or Windows Live Mail client could be used as an offline client for Hotmail, MSN, or Live mail.
Due to complaints, Microsoft is delaying the final cut-off for WebDAV support. This means you can continue to use HTTP protocol to read Hotmail in Outlook for at least a few more months (if not years). .
The Outlook connector is a much better option than the HTTP protocol, provided you use Outlook 2003, 2007, or 2010. It can be downloaded using the links in the right sidebar.
Published June 25, 2008. Last updated on May 15, 2011.